“My wife is my strength and I cherish my family more than ever.”
– Mr Phuah Boon Hua who is grateful for giving him a new lease of life
It was at the end of 2015 when Boon Hua, who suffers from high blood pressure, went for a medical check-up at the polyclinic. The doctor told him that his creatinine level was getting higher, which was an indication that his kidney function was gradually becoming more and more impaired. It was a matter of months before his kidneys completely failed. At the hospital, the doctor explained to the couple their options, which was dialysis or transplant as well as the pros and cons of both.
“I had no second thoughts about giving my kidney to my husband. Now we can lead fulfilling lives as a family.”
– Madam Yong Wei Ling on why she wanted to donate her kidney to her husband
Boon Hua did not want to go for dialysis for the rest of his life and he was scared to undergo a transplant operation. During this period of uncertainty, he had severe leg pains due to high uric acid. He became hot-tempered, irritable and could not sleep. He said to his wife, “If you live without me, okay or not?” Wai Ling told him to think positively for the sake of her and their child.
She was determined to find a solution and did more research on her own treatment options. She decided that a live kidney transplant is the best option and persuaded Boon Hua to go for a series of tests to see if she was a suitable donor. They were ecstatic when told that her kidney was a match. The successful transplant took place on 30 January 2018. Wai Ling’s employers were very supportive, allowing her to take leave and even paid her salary for the two months she was recuperating from her surgery. NKF is providing them with financial assistance through its Kidney Live Donor Support Fund.
Today, Boon Hua is a picture of health. He goes jogging thrice weekly and eats healthily. He takes care of their child, does the grocery shopping and cooks.
